Do you hate when your refrigerator breaks down and you have to throw out half your food because it started smelling? Refrigerators break down often. Most of the time, this is not a big deal. After all, you can simply replace the broken part or buy an affordable model that will do the same thing.
However, if your refrigerator breaks down at a time when you need it to preserve your food and what’s worse—it happens suddenly, then this could be a problem. You see, when a refrigerator breaks down suddenly without giving you any hint beforehand, it means there’s something seriously wrong with it. It could be that one of its parts needs replacing or it might just be something minor that you can fix yourself with a little DIY know-how. Whatever the case may be, here are some helpful tips on what you need to do when your fridge breaks down:
1. Check the Humidity Levels
Your refrigerator may be having trouble cooling down because of the humidity levels in your home. Even if you live in a dry environment, your refrigerator will still absorb moisture from the air. All refrigerators have this problem to a certain extent, but it is especially noticeable in humid climates. So the next time your fridge stops working, the first thing you should do is check the humidity levels in your home.
If the humidity levels are high, the air in your home will be more humid than usual, which will cause your refrigerator to struggle more. The only way to solve this problem is to reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you live in a hot and humid area, you will need to open your windows, turn on fans, and use an air purifier to lower the humidity levels. If you live in a dry and cool area, you can use a microwave, electric oven, or a pot in your fridge to absorb moisture. If all these don’t work for your machine, then you can hire a refrigerator repair Regina Company to fix it.
2. Turn Off the Power
The refrigerator uses a lot of power. If the power goes off in your home, it could damage your fridge and make it stop working. So the next thing you should do when your refrigerator breaks down is turn off the power to the fridge. You can do this by unplugging the fridge or closing the freezer door so that no more power is flowing to the fridge. This will ensure that no damage is caused to it.
If you don’t turn off the power, there’s a very real chance that you will damage your fridge, even if it’s a low-end model. Also, make sure to turn off the power to other appliances such as your freezer, microwave, coffee maker, and other electrical devices that are using power.
3. Check the Freezer for Leaks and Ice Buildup
If your refrigerator is broken and it is not functioning properly, the freezer will be working overtime to keep things at an appropriate temperature. This could damage your fridge, which is why you should check for ice buildup, especially in the freezer. If you see ice or water in your freezer, you should wipe it clean immediately as this could cause your fridge to stop working. If you don’t see ice or water, you should also clean the inside of your freezer to remove any dust or buildup that’s preventing your fridge from cooling properly.
4. Reprogram Your Thermostat
The next thing you should do when your refrigerator breaks down is reprogramming your thermostat. This is a simple task that most homeowners don’t do because they are busy with other things. However, it’s important to reprogram the thermostat as soon as your refrigerator breaks down as this will lower the temperature and extend the lifespan of your fridge.
You can reprogram your thermostat by following these simple steps: Turn off the AC and open the fridge door. Wait until the temperature inside the fridge is at least 5 degrees cooler than the setting on your thermostat. Close the fridge door and turn on the AC. Wait for about 30 minutes, then turn it off and open the fridge again. Your thermostat should have been reprogrammed, which means your fridge should be working properly again.
Final Words
Your fridge is an important appliance that helps you to keep your food safe and healthy. Unfortunately, it is prone to breaking down. When your fridge breaks down, you need to take precautions to keep your food safe. You can do this by checking your fridge’s humidity levels, turning off the power, and checking the freezer for ice buildup. If these tips don’t help you, then you may need to call a technician to repair it.